Temporary and portable shelters for mourning, celebration, and spiritual use

ABSTRACT

An expandable shelter includes a canopy adjustable in length along a longitudinal axis. Legs support the canopy in an A-frame configuration defining an apex angle along an upper ridgeline. A shaded or sheltered area that is variable in length and width is defined. A mobile shelter includes multiple protective structures, each supported by a respective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handle configured to be gripped and supported by a respective bearer. Each handle may be toroidal in shape for use at any angle. Non-level terrain may be traversed by coordinated movements of bearers with regard to each respective handle such that the protective structures are maintained in a desired configuration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/814,866, filed Apr. 23, 2013 and titled TEMPORARY ANDPORTABLE SHELTERS FOR MOURNING, CELEBRATION, AND SPIRITUAL USE, thecontent of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to shelters and otherprotective structures. More particularly, the present disclosure relatesto expandable, temporary, and/or mobile protective shelters andstructures and methods of sheltering processions.

BACKGROUND

Processions and gatherings of mourning, celebration, and other spiritualand social purposes occur sometimes in outdoor environments, whereparticipants may be subjected to rain, wind, and sun. In both mourningand celebrating situations, the participants may prefer some protectionagainst the elements. Participants in any such gathering may be wearingvalued clothing unintended for or vulnerable to precipitation and otheroutdoor conditions.

Processions may travel over stairs and non-level terrain. Despiteweather and terrain conditions, dignity and decorum are often of utmostimportance to participants. Participants may walk in formation orprocession from indoors to outdoors, or among multiple locations andgather in school yards, church yards, community centers, cemeteries andother locations of spiritual significance.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide shelters that areconvenient to use.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription of Illustrative Embodiments. This Summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

An expandable shelter includes a canopy having pleats, the canopy beingadjustable in length along a longitudinal axis between an expanded and acollapsed configuration. Legs support the canopy in an A-frameconfiguration defining an apex angle along an upper ridgeline, the apexangle being adjustable between an open and closed configuration byangular adjustment of the legs such that a width transverse to thelength is adjustable. A shaded or sheltered area that is variable inlength and width is defined.

A mobile shelter for carriage by multiple bearers includes multipleprotective structures, each supported by a respective generally verticalsupporting column having a lower handle configured to be gripped andsupported by a respective bearer. Interconnecting structures maintainrelative spacings between the multiple protective structures. In atleast one example, each handle is toroidal in shape, providing a roundcomforting gripping surface for use at any angle.

A method of sheltering a procession of people includes supporting bymultiple human bearers multiple respective protective structures, eachprotective structure supported by a respective generally verticalsupporting column having a lower handle gripped and supported by arespective human bearer while interconnecting structures maintainrelative spacings between the multiple protective structures. In atleast one example, the method includes traversing non-level terrain bycoordinated movements of the bearers with regard to each respectivehandle such that the protective structures are maintained in a desiredconfiguration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there areshown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presentlydisclosed invention is not limited to the specific methods andinstrumentalities disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example expandable shelter in a partiallyexpanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shelter shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsedconfiguration in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a leg segment in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates different views of embodiments of components ofan expandable support framework in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example mobile shelter supported bymultiple bearers in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclosure of the technology herein is presented withsufficient details to enable one skilled in this art to practice theinvention, it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosedtechnology. The inventor contemplates that future technologies mayfacilitate additional embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter as claimed herein. Moreover, although the term “step” may be usedherein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term shouldnot be interpreted as implying any particular order among or betweenvarious steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order ofindividual steps is explicitly described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example expandable shelter 100 in apartially expanded configuration in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the expandable shelter 100includes a canopy 102 that is supported by legs 104. The canopy 102 isillustrated as having a pleated construction having pleats 108 that canbe expanded and collapsed linearly along a longitudinal axis, generallydesignated by double arrow 106. An upper ridgeline 110 defines, at anypoint along the longitudinal axis 106, an apex angle 112 between legs104 or side panels 114 supported by legs. The shelter 100 defines anA-frame structure having an apex angle 112 that can be opened and closedby hinging of the support legs 104 at their junction or other upperconvergence under or at the ridgeline 110. By linear expansion andcollapse along the axis 106, the longitudinal length of the expandableshelter can be adjusted as desired. By opening and closing of the apexangle 112 the transverse width of the expandable shelter 100 can beadjusted as desired. Thus, the expandable shelter 100 defines a shadedor sheltered area that is variable in length and width, such as arectangular area.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the shelter 100 shown in FIG. 1 in acollapsed configuration in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. Referring to FIG. 2, a sash 118 is shown as being wrapped orbound about the shelter 101 for securing the shelter in a collapsedconfiguration during handling, travel, and storage. The sash 118 orother flexible member having tensile and shear strength such as a cord,rope or chain may be used to tether the shelter 100 to a building suchas a church, to an architectural structure such as a gazebo, to a treein cemetery, or to an anchored pole or other secure object. Hooks orother grappling elements may be included with one or more tetheringelements to secure the shelters against movement in high winds.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the legs 104 are sectioned as leg segments116 connected end to end so as to provide a variable height of theridgeline 110 and to permit orientation of the ridgeline as horizontalor sloped as desired over variable terrain, which may be encountered forexample in school yards, church yards, community centers, cemeteries andother locations of spiritual significance. Junctions 120 of adjacent legsegments 116 may be fixed, releasable, collapsible, foldable,telescoping, or hinging.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a leg segment 116 in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the legsegment 116 may include an end cap 122 provided at upper and/or lowerends of the legs 104 to provide decorative or sloped termination and/orground penetration for secure placement of the expandable shelter 100.The end cap 122 has a conical head 124 and an opposite threaded shank126 received by a threaded internal bore of a leg segment.

The canopy 102 may be a weatherproof covering made of waterproof and/orwater repellant material. For example, the canopy 102 may be made ofnylon fabric or other textiles that shed rain water and otherprecipitation. In other examples, canopies can be made of sheer fabricsand heavy fabrics. The canopy 102 may be opaque, translucent, ortransparent. For example, substantially opaque black coverings may beused for winter or funeral ceremonies and lacey white coverings may beused for a spring or wedding ceremonies.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates different views of embodiments of components ofan expandable support framework, which can be used for many purposesincluding, for example, supporting a structure such as the canopy 102 ofthe expandable shelter 100 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4A, thefigure shows a deployed expanded configuration 212 so as to variably bestowed for transportation and storage and deployed on location where asupported shelter is needed or such a framework is otherwise desired.Referring to FIG. 4B, the framework includes framework members 202 thatcan be segmented or attached end to end to form, for example an extendedlinear framework assemblies 208 shown in FIG. 4C. Holes 204 are formedthrough the illustrated framework members 202, for example for passing apin or rod 206 for attaching or securing the members. The frameworkmembers 202 can be arranged in a gathered flat configuration 210 asshown in FIG. 4D.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example mobile shelter 500supported by multiple bearers 502 who are illustrated as attire asappropriate, for example, in a procession of mourning, celebration, orother spiritual or social purposes. The shelter 500 includes multipleprotective structures 510, each of which is supported by a verticalsupporting column 512 having a lower handle 514. Each handle is grippedand supported by a respective bearer 502. The handles are illustrated astoroidal in shape, providing a round comforting gripping surface for useat any angle. In FIG. 5, the bearers are illustrated as gripping thehandles 514 with their arms extended down to provide relatively lowshelter. A relatively higher shelter is provided when the bearers extendtheir arms upward collectively supporting the mobile shelter at a raisedposition. Indeed, the mobile shelter 500 can be maintained in anapproximately level orientation, with the protective structures 510 atapproximately equal absolute heights, when ascending or descendingstairs or traversing non-level terrain by coordinated movements of thebearers 502 with regard to each respective handle 514. For example,forward bearers ascending uphill may maintain handles 514 in relativelylow positions and following rearward bearers may maintain handles inrelatively higher positions. In a further example, forward bearersascending downhill may maintain handles 514 in relatively high positionsand following rearward bearers may maintain handles in relatively lowerpositions. Thus, the mobile shelter 500 can be carried in an elegant anddignified manner across non-level surfaces and terrain.

Each protective structure 510 includes a respective covering 516. In atleast one example, the coverings 516 are weatherproof coverings made ofwaterproof and/or water repellant material. For example, the coverings516 may be made of nylon fabric or other textiles that shed rain waterand other precipitation. In other examples, the coverings are made ofsheer fabrics and heavy fabrics. The coverings may be opaque,translucent, or transparent. For example, essentially opaque blackcoverings may be preferred for use in a winter or funeral procession andlacey white coverings may be preferred in a spring or weddingprocession. The decorum of the coverings may be varied to match therobes of the bearers 502.

Internal structures may be included as part of each protective structure510 to maintain the coverings 516 in open or stretched configurationsextending at least somewhat outward from their respective supportingcolumns 512. Interconnecting structures such as horizontal spacer beams518 extend between the protective structures 510 to maintain the spacingbetween the protective structures 510 and to maintain the overallphysical configuration of the mobile shelter 500. In one example of themobile shelter 500, a respective horizontal beam 518 is rigid and isfixed at its two ends to a neighboring pair of vertical supportingcolumns 512, such that a rectangular footprint is maintained of themobile shelter 500 with protective structures 510 at four cornersthereof as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, in that example, the mobileshelter includes four protective structures 510 held aloft by fourvertical supporting columns 512 maintained in a rectangular planarrangement by four horizontal beams 518. In other examples, mobileshelters according to these descriptions includes other numbers ofvertical supporting columns maintained in other plan arrangements, whichmay be rectangular or otherwise, by other numbers of horizontal beams.

The coverings 516 may be separate from each other as illustrated in FIG.5 to define separate respective areas, each for use by a respectivemourner, celebrant, or other honored guest. In other embodiments, inother examples, the coverings 516 are joined together along their edgesto define a consolidated area for use by one or more such people, or forfurther example, for carriage of a casket or other vehicle or object orstructure of distinction, honor, or importance. Thus, one or more mobileshelters 500 may be used to honor and shelter, for example: the deceasedand surviving family members in a funeral procession; a bride and groomand family members in a wedding procession; clergy persons or others inthe procession of a religious practice.

In FIG. 5, the bearers 502 support the handles 514 from offset standingor walking positions without occupying the covered areas under thecoverings 516 so as to allow space to accommodate others under thecoverings 516. It should be understood that the bearers may otherwiseshelter themselves by standing or walking under the coverings 516.

While the embodiments have been described in connection with thepreferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understoodthat other similar embodiments may be used or modifications andadditions may be made to the described embodiment for performing thesame function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosedembodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rathershould be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An expandable shelter comprising: a canopy havingpleats, the canopy being adjustable in length along a longitudinal axisbetween an expanded and a collapsed configuration; and legs supportingthe canopy in an A-frame configuration defining an apex angle along anupper ridgeline, the apex angle being adjustable between an open andclosed configuration by angular adjustment of the legs such that a widthtransverse to the length is adjustable.
 2. The expandable shelter ofclaim 1, wherein the canopy is made of one of waterproof and waterrepellant material.
 3. The expandable shelter of claim 1, furthercomprising a grappling elements for securing one of the canopy and legsto another structure.
 4. The expandable shelter of claim 1, wherein thelegs comprise a plurality of leg segments connected to each other forproviding variable height to the canopy.
 5. The expandable shelter ofclaim 1, wherein the leg comprises an end cap.
 6. The expandable shelterof claim 5, wherein the end cap is configured to be removable.
 7. Amobile shelter for carriage by multiple bearers, the mobile sheltercomprising: multiple protective structures, each supported by arespective generally vertical supporting column having a lower handleconfigured to be gripped and supported by a respective bearer; andinterconnecting structures maintaining relative spacings between themultiple protective structures.
 8. A mobile shelter according to claim7, wherein each handle is toroidal in shape, providing a roundcomforting gripping surface for use at any angle.
 9. A method ofsheltering a procession of people, the method comprising: supporting bymultiple human bearers multiple respective protective structures, eachprotective structure supported by a respective generally verticalsupporting column having a lower handle gripped and supported by arespective human bearer while interconnecting structures maintainrelative spacings between the multiple protective structures.
 10. Amethod according to claim 9, wherein each handle is toroidal in shape,providing a round comforting gripping surface for use at any angle. 11.A method according to claim 9, further comprising: traversing non-levelterrain by coordinated movements of the bearers with regard to eachrespective handle such that the protective structures are maintained ina desired configuration.